Masters Program
“The MS degree in tropical plant pathology provides a basic education and understanding of the pathogen groupings. Employment opportunities exist in industry, government agencies, research institutions, consulting, and farm management.”
“The MS degree program is offered under either Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis). A total of 30 credit hours are required for each degree option. For a general description of these options, see the requirements for each option below.”
Masters Program Plans
Research: 12 credits in PEPS 700 Thesis Research, with at least 1 credit in PEPS 700 during the semester of graduation, and submission of an acceptable thesis.
Courses: 16 credits in courses approved by the candidate’s committee, including Core: PEPS 605, 606, 615, and 615L. and excluding PEPS 600, 699, 700, and 799.
Seminars: Minimum of 2 credits in PEPS 660, which is required each semester except when enrolled in PEPS 799.
Proposal/defense Seminar: 2 credits in PEPS 799 (CR/NC). PEPS 799 credits are not counted towards degree credit requirements.
Courses: 18 to 22 credits in 600-level core courses (PEPS 605, 606. 615, and 615L) and electives approved by the candidate’s committee. Electives include experimental design, agricultural economics, diagnostics and bioinformatics and approved 400-level courses, such as entomology, biocontrol, disease management, and bioengineering.
Research and Seminars: 6 to 9 credits in PEPS 699, taken in one or two different laboratories. Minimum of 2 credits in PEPS 660 (seminar). 1 credit in PEPS 799 (CR/NC).
The 10.5 month program is designed to start each Fall semester and end before July 4 the following year.
PROGRAM COURSES
Please refer to the full PEPS course list on the University of Hawaii Catalog for more information on requirements, course availability, and graduation requirements.
PEPS 605: Biology of Plant Pathogens: Fungi and Nematodes (4) (2 Lec, 2 3-hr. Lab)
Principles and concepts in pathogen biology, epidemiology and management of plant diseases caused by fungi, oomycetes, and nematodes. Laboratory techniques for isolation and identification of pathogens and disease diagnosis. A-F only. (Fall only)
PEPS 606: Biology of Plant Pathogens: Bacteria and Viruses (4) (2 Lec, 2 3-hr Lab)
Principles and concepts in pathogen biology, epidemiology, and management of plant diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. Laboratory techniques for isolation and identification of pathogens and disease diagnosis. A-F only. Pre: 605 (with a minimum grade of B). (Spring only)
PEPS 615: Diagnosis and Management of Tropical Plant Diseases (3)
Iterative and interactive course integrating plant pathogen and pest biology with diagnostic and management approaches. Will use biological information about pathogens, anthropods, and abiotic stresses to diagnose diseases, disorders, or other injuries of plants. A-F only. Pre: (605 and 606) with a minimum grade of B, or consent. Co-requisite: 615L. (Summer only)
PEPS 660: Seminar in Plant Pathology (1)
Seminar on research and topics in plant pathology. Repeatable unlimited times. A-F only. Pre: graduate standing or consent.
PEPS 700: Thesis Research (V)
Research for master’s thesis. Repeatable unlimited times. CR/NC only.
PEPS 615L: Diagnosis and Management of Tropical Plant Diseases Laboratory (2)
Diagnosis and management of plant pathogen and pest problems in laboratory and field. Taught concurrently with 615. A-F only. Pre: (605 and 606) with a minimum grade of B, or equivalent. Co-requisite: 615. (Summer only)
PEPS 699: Directed Research (V)
Directed research, critical reviews in environmental protection sciences, entomology, or plant pathology. Repeatable unlimited times. CR/NC only.
PEPS 799: Proposal/Defense Seminar (1)
Thesis/dissertation proposal and defense seminars. Repeatable one time. CR/NC only. Pre: graduate standing or consent.